SPRING NOTES: As top of lineup sits out, a couple of relievers stand out

Not two weeks into camp, the Giants took the field without the top two hitters in the lineup. Marco Scutaro did some work on a back field at Scottsdale Stadium but spent the rest of the day indoors. That’s nothing new, Scutaro is still about a week away from joining team workouts. But Angel Pagan’s tweak was new, although it was said to be minor.

Pagan felt back tightness while sitting in his chair during a morning meeting. He spent the day with trainers but when reporters approached, he said: “I’m good, I’m good.” Pagan added that he could have taken the field Sunday, but there’s no reason to push it this early in camp. He fully expects to be back on the field tomorrow.

This is normal early in camp, when players often experience back problems because they’re not used to standing around in cleats or swinging at full speed. It wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar most places, but … Pagan only played 71 games last year and Scutaro reached just 127, so this is definitely worth watching.

— With Pagan out, of course the Giants added this guy to the Head & Shoulders Hitting Group. That’s Tyler Colvin, by the way.

— It’s an ESPN Insider story, so I know you can’t all access it, but Buster Olney had a good piece on Bonds today. Worth your time if you have access. Here’s part of what Buster wrote:

The only group treating Bonds as an outcast now is the Baseball Writers’ Association of American, currently positioned as the steroid police of the industry, and there are no signs that the BBWAA will move out of its standing as the designers of history. The Giants — and by extension, Major League Baseball — are treating Bonds as a star of his era, with his 762 homers, seven Most Valuable Player awards and career .444 on-base percentage. His records and feats are fully acknowledged by the Hall of Fame, because, as president Jeff Idelson has said rightly over and over, the Hall documents history — good and bad.

— Ran into Eric Surkamp this weekend. Good dude who is getting an opportunity with the White Sox, and he has a shot at breaking into their rotation. Surkamp said the arm is 100 percent again, and he should be starting a game for Chicago sometime next week.

— Santiago Casilla didn’t need much time to get up to speed. Throwing live BP for the first time, Casilla looked sharp. Jose De Paula showed off pretty impressive stuff, too. “Both of them threw really well,” Bochy said. “De Paula, I looked forward to watching him. That’s a good arm.”

It was always a little curious that the Giants could come away with Jose Mijares on a waiver claim in the middle of a playoff race (Mijares was pretty useful down the stretch in 2012). De Paula might be a similar case, as a 23-year-old, hard-throwing left-hander that the Giants snagged off waivers from the Padres. Interesting guy this spring, that’s for sure.

— Because the Giants have a day off immediately following Wednesday’s Cactus League opener, Yusmeiro Petit – not one of the big guns – will get the start. Bochy said the regular starting five will start taking turns on Friday. If you’re into the prospects and around Scottsdale, Crick, Blach, Blackburn, Law, the Younger Casilla and the Younger Bochy will all pitch in Tuesday’s intrasquad game.

— As my mom could tell you, I spend far too much of my life staring down at an iPhone. But hopefully the rest of you have actual lives — that don’t exist only on Twitter — and so you might miss stories here and there. So, in case you missed it, here are some highlights from the first 10 days of camp, a stretch that I will forever know as the week when I discovered that McDonald’s discontinued hot mustard sauce (seriously, screw you, McDonald’s):

First baseman Brandon Belt has a new deal, but the next one will be complicated. The Tims are hoping to keep Belt, Marco Scutaro, Brandon Crawford and Sandoval busy this season. Also, I posted quite a few videos on our Tout page this week, including live BP sessions by Lincecum and Hudson, and Michael Morse hitting a homer off of Edwin Escobar. From this afternoon, there are live BP videos of Lincecum and Ryan Vogelsong.

— Brandon Crawford drew some praise from the coaching staff when he hit a broken-bat roller to the right side while facing De Paula. Hensley Meulens had told Crawford to act like there was a runner on second with no outs.

2. The closing ceremonies so we can get these disastrous Olympics over with. I certainly hope some of the U.S. team is going to walk into the stadium with paper sacks over their heads. Very, very disappointing. We got some U.S. official blaming the time change and the different culture for the reason we didn’t come close to our medal count in Vancouver. smh

Sounds like ClutchUp works for the U.S. Olympic Committee with all the excuse-making. I’ve never seen anything like it to be honest.

As for Santiago Casilla….can’t wait for the first run he wild pitches in this season with the game on the the line. smh

dgg

I don’t know how you find these articles, ClutchUp, but they’re always interesting to me. I think we grew up in the same era.

p.s. You mentioned JD4SF a while back. I miss JD. I suppose, like Dinero (aka Evan in SJ), she’s not coming back.

dgg

What you said about hot mustard sauce and McDonald’s is hilarious, Alex. I would feel the same way if Subway d/c’d honey mustard dressing.

ClutchUp

Dinero I believe is busy with GiantsPipeline.com (I could be wrong)

JD4SF will be back – I’m almost sure of it. Disqus cleaned up most of the pond scum that use to drop by before.

If you like different stories … they come through my Work Place 24/7/365

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Organizers of Major League Baseball’s season-opening series in Australia are upset about comments from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke, who said that he was not excited for the trip, according to reports in Australian newspapers.
=====

LOOOOOOOOOL it’s like I have a twin!

ClutchUp

Uhhhh…. Lefty posted that about three hours ago on the former Post…

MLBSF

Why would I post on an old blog. I wouldn’t get as much publicity and such.

Foothills Ryan

Happy with the pen, getting good movement on 2 seamer. Threw a few breaking balls too. Get this: rumor has it that Ted Lilly will be pitching in my league (now that I’m playing the 18+).

Foothills Ryan

The MiLBie rule is in place. No more cumulative down votes. You didn’t deserve half of them. Keep on truckin’.

Foothills Ryan

Chipotle here.

Foothills Ryan

As one season draws closer to opening, another season comes to a conclusion. Downton Abbey season finale is tonight! What the heck! Were the writers on strike? 7 episodes?? Shakes my head but anticipates the drama. Can’t wait to see what’s up with Mr. “Angel Villalona” Bates.

MLBSF

OK good Foothills Ryan. And stop calling me MiLBie smh

Foothills Ryan

Buy a vowel.

ClutchUp

Looks like you have a tough dating environment also

channelclemente

I watched, at LL practice, a 14 year old boy throw 80+ MPH fastball changeup combination with an 6-8 MPH differential on the edge pitch after pitch. He followed that with a 78 MPH cut fastball that had 6-8 inches of glove side break on it. Where do they find these young guys. No wonder fellas like Crick keep cropping up.

Just a great side session for the boy. Sometimes you just look in a kids eye, and see it clicking.

channelclemente

True Detective is INTENSE tonight, wear your seatbelt.

pacman68

Best show on TV. And Daddario from episode 3 … good lord.

Michael Scott

Just treat them like edible greens and they’ll be as good as they can be. Any recipe for Broccoli rabe should work.http://tinyurl.com/mzj7jup

pacman68

Glad the Giants are giving the best hitter in the past 20 years a chance. Bonds deserves everything he gets. Good and bad. The dude was a monster from the time he got here. Help saved the Giants from going to Florida.

Now teach our hitters some discipline Barry. NO MORE HACKERS!!!

channelclemente

It’s certainly got my undivided attention. If you’re a devotee, you should stop by a read the Atlantic’s ‘next day’ blog/article/bs session.

Michael Scott

That crafty devil-that was no Little Leaguer. Zito looks to have found some guys he can get out

Foothills Ryan

Will put this on the Netflix wait list, might be a while.

DrLefty

“…as good as they can be…” LOL, well put.

For some random reason that reminds me of attending a conference in San Antonio a few years ago. People said to me, “Well, if you have to go to Texas, that’s the place to go.” Once I got there, I realized I should have paid more attnention to the first part of that sentence.

Vegas Giants Fan

More from Inside The San Jose Giants Blog – Pat Young – RHP

It is common though for San Jose to use a six-man starting rotation, (as opposed to the more traditional five-man staff), so there could be one or two more spots to fill. Pat Young was promoted to the Giants from Salem-Kaizer (short season) for the playoffs last September and is a San Jose starting pitching candidate this year. Young, a 13th round pick in last June’s draft out of Villanova, put together a dominate summer in the Northwest League after signing his professional contract. In eight starts with the Volcanoes, Young owned a sparkling 0.92 ERA yielding just four earned runs in 39-1/3 innings. The 6’7″ right-hander walked nine, struck out 27 and held the league to a .186 batting average.

2013 San Jose manager Andy Skeels then thrust Young into the spotlight after his promotion starting him in the decisive fifth game of the highly competitive North Division Series against Visalia. Young battled through 3-2/3 in the start surrendering two earned runs with one walk and an impressive seven strikeouts (the Giants, of course, won the game 9-5 to advance). With his big frame on the mound, Young showed a low-to-mid 90′s fastball and a quality slider last September. He should open the 2014 season with either San Jose or Augusta.

Go Giants.

Vegas Giants Fan

Part Two from Inside The San Jose Giants Blog – Nick Vander Tuig – RHP

Nick Vander Tuig made a brief appearance with San Jose last July and is another candidate for the Giants starting rotation this year. Vander Tuig was San Francisco’s sixth round draft pick last June after a standout junior season for national champion UCLA. In 19 starts with the Bruins last spring, Vander Tuig was 14-4 with a 2.16 ERA. He issued only 18 walks all season compared to 93 strikeouts in 129 innings and was the winning pitcher in UCLA’s clinching victory at the College World Series. Due to his heavy workload in college, Vander Tuig saw limited action last summer in Salem-Kaizer tossing just 6-2/3 innings, in addition to a spot-start with San Jose.

The scouting report on Vander Tuig includes an 88-91 mph fastball, a slider and a plus change-up. With loads of big game experience in college and pinpoint control, an aggressive promotion to San Jose (much like fellow control-artist Ty Blach last year) for his first full professional season could be in the works.

Go Giants.

Vegas Giants Fan

Part Three from Inside The San Jose Giants Blog – Best of the Rest

2013 third round pick Chase Johnson was a reliever at Cal Poly, but has transitioned to a starter as a professional. Last summer in Salem-Kaizer, Johnson was 3-2 with a 4.17 ERA in 10 starts. He struck out 37 batters in 41 innings. A strong spring could possibly put Johnson in contention for a spot in San Jose, but he’s likely headed to Augusta. D.J. Snelten, a ninth round pick last year out of Minnesota, dominated in the Arizona Rookie League last summer posting a 1.57 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 34-1/3 innings. He’s another pitcher probably headed to Augusta’s starting rotation, but could perhaps force his way up to the California League. Chris Johnson, a 2012 draftee (17th round) and no relation to Chase, was Salem-Kaizer’s top starting pitcher last season recording a 2.49 ERA and a 78-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 83 innings. If the organization wants a left-hander or two in the San Jose starting rotation (assuming neither Mejia or Snelten begin the year at San Jose) possible candidates include Joe Kurrasch, an eighth rounder out of Penn St. in 2012. Kurrasch struggled in Salem-Kaizer last season, but enjoyed far more success in Augusta where he posted a 1.78 ERA in 25-1/3 innings. Fellow lefty Matt Lujan was a non-drafted free agent signee two years ago out of USF. Lujan was a bit under-the -radar in Augusta last year, but the numbers were solid as he went 7-0 with a 3.33 ERA in 15 games. (12 starts)

I think it would be awesome if they had a huge bench-clearing brawl during one of the games in Sydney. The Aussies LOVE those. Maybe bring along Grant Balfour and Andrew Bogut to be honorary team captains and show those Yanks how to be surly.

MLBSF

I’m looking forward to the creativity of D-Back fans when the Dodgers play in Phoenix this year. Lots of swimming pool-themed insults I’m thinking.

Foothills Ryan

Thank you Vegas. The Giants are on a roll with pitchers. Don’t be surprised if they grab one with their 14th overall pick. The odds of selecting an arm are favorable.

Foothills Ryan

Wonder if he’s got a little more than Chris Heston speed. Was hoping for 90-93.

Foothills Ryan

How exciting. Less than a month away. I travelled to Australia to play baseball during the winter break of my senior year in high school. Lots of fun.

Sounds like Cody Ross may be ready by opening day. Good for Cody, not sure what he has left in the tank, but between him and Eric Chavez, those are some great options coming off the bench.

Foothills Ryan

Aaaaaanndd, that’s it for Downton Abbey. See you next year. I’m convinced Bates got to the writers or they went on strike led by Branson and his gal. Jump ahead 8 mos?? It was some bland cooking for a season finale, but at least most everyone seemed happy and willing to hold hands.

Game of Thrones 3rd season to help bide the time until baseball season really kicks off. Can’t wait for box scores from the Cactus League. Battle for fifth outfielder. Battle for the bullpen. Battle for fifth starter?? Now that would be some drama. Go Giants.

DrLefty

I’m out of the mainstream here, but I really enjoyed the finale. Last year’s killing off of Matthew the same day his baby was born was so heartbreaking–I didn’t need another one like that.

I loved all the schtick about the Americans and their speech and mannerisms and the hysteria over of the Prince’s love letter “bringing down the monarchy.” I’ve never laughed as much through a Downton episode. Favorite quotes:

Lord Grantham: I wish Tom would get here.
Lady Grantham: I’m so happy to hear you say that!
Lord G: Well, he’s bringing Isis (the dog), and I miss her.

Harold Levinson: Looks like the gang’s all here!
Old Lady Grantham: Is that American for “hello”?

(And pretty much any line delivered by Maggie Smith.)

Oh, and don’t mess with Bates. His criminal talents just keep growing.

DrLefty

3 years/$25 mil. is pretty expensive for a bench player, but yeah, good for Cody.

And what do I know, anyway–clearly, Kevin Towers is a genius!

Foothills Ryan

If Cody Ross puts up a 2 WAR season (he’s averaged that the last two), then he’s more than square with AAV of that deal.

Matthew

Lot’s of intrigue going into next season….the guy that’s not Gillingham…( Pig Slop Dude…?) made a rather curious remark at the dance…is he trying to bring down the family after all? This interest in Mary seems now to be a total ruse.

One thing I didn’t like: why would that pretty girl have any interest in the Sea Lion ( Giamatti)?

Bapah

So you like hot mustard? I threw a fit several years ago when Sosnick’s Hot Russian Mustard was taken off the market. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Beaver now sells it as “Sweet Hot Mustard” which is a bit of a misnomer, but the same mustard. Buy one for the car and one for home. I discovered Sosnick’s (or was it Soznick’s) at the Carnegie Deli (NYC) many years ago and again at Solomon’s Deli (across from ACT) later the same year. Enough with the bellyaching.

dgg

“at least everyone seemed happy and willing to hold hands”

This is a great sentence. It made me laugh.

It was sweet though, ending the season with the ever-stiff-and-proper Carson walking with trepidation into the surf, holding Mrs. Hughes’ hand. This may be the best love story of the lot.

In Britain, this episode is the Christmas Special (according to my relatives in Manchester) and this episode takes place weeks after the formal season ends. So the gap in Britain fits with it being 8 months later at Downton, which gives Edith time to have her baby. In the States, this episode is a week later, and doesn’t make as much sense. Not enough real time elapses.

Foothills Ryan

All the pretty girls are built the same in DTA. About 5’7″, 95 lbs. I suppose you have to go to Larkrise or Candelford to find some women with a little meat on their English bones.

As boring as England was in the 20′s, I’m sure glad things got rockin’ in the 60′s.

Foothills Ryan

I was looking for jelly fish in the surf.

There was so much potential with the lorry incident and Edith’s maternity. They just skipped it.

Had Sgt. Peppers in my stereo for ride to work. Britain did okay in the end.

dgg

“Pig slop dude”? I didn’t expect to come on here this morning and laugh so hard.

Pig slop dude = Charles Blake. In addition to being the heir to a baronetcy and one of the largest estates in Ulster, he’s a WWI Veteran, can get down and dirty with pigs, can hold his own with Mary and doesn’t fawn all over her.

DrLefty

I said that, too–with my 21st-century sensibilities, Paul Giamatti flirting with a teenage debutante seemed creepy. However, in that day and age, I’m sure impoverished English gentry WERE throwing their lovely daughters at 40-something rich Americans if they could find them.

So by that argument, Blanco should be making $8 mil.+ per season, too. And Belt should be making twice that?

Foothills Ryan

Once they get out of arbitration, they are free to make what the market dictates. I suppose I could see Blanco making upwards of 8 mil as a FA should he put together another couple good years of 2+WAR with stellar D & steady OBP. Belt is in a whole nuther ballpark.

dgg

Wow. That is an amazing post. I’ve been checking Blanco’s White Shark blog for days now, hoping for a new post. The careful and thoughtful and dedicated way he spent his offseason is impressive. I really hope Blanco gets more playing time than “to remain on the bench as a pinch-hitter/pinch-runner” as Alex reported the Giants might decide to do.

Mike this kid, when post puberty, will be throwing smoke. Dyed in the wool Giants fan, too. Apparently up here they flip for team names, and the coach has now one 3 years running. I think you loaned him a coin. Very un Zito like.

Foothills Ryan

and look at the deal Brett Gardner just got (4/52). Not quite the same skill set, but something for Blanco to set sights on.

dgg

Huh? I don’t get your response. I wasn’t complaining about anything. I was enjoying what Alex said about hot mustard sauce. It was funny.

Michael Scott

Geez, Is it possible for another player other than Blanco to be used for a benchmark? Surely there is *someone* else?
As to Belt- it’s the system. His totally in line what a first time arb player gets. David Price got 4,350,000 when he was a first timer. He was also super two. Belt will get more year by year as a 2nd and then 3rd year arb- unless he ge’s a buy out of his arb years or a long term deal. He’s poised for big big bucks.

Speaking of Edith….it seems that every character is portrayed well and the acting is superb… And then there is Edith.

Her overacting bugs me… Her over-the-top expressions…yikes. It’s like that kid in high school drama that was a pain in the a$$ in class because everything was performance art. Take it down a notch, Ede!

Michael Scott

FYI, as of 2012 the average increase from 1st time to 2nd time arb players was 76%, 3rd time arb was 60% more than the second year. By my sometimes shaky math, Belt would make about 8.3 million in his 3rd year of arb ( the average increase, using the 2012 data) if his arb years were not bought out or he got a long term deal.

Foothills Ryan

A link to an article that may or may not help with understanding of the arbitration system. Will look for more. Especially one that includes information on the team’s ability to cut an arbitration awarded player before the season opener and only be held accountable for 1/3 of his agreed upon salary.

In her defense, Edith’s storylines have all been depressing pretty much. She falls in love with boring guys. She has a baby outside marriage which sets her up to be an outcast in that day and age. She constantly plays second fiddle to Mary.

Foothills Ryan

I think he’s tracking for something like 3-6-12-18. But some shaky stretches at the plate could knock him back closer to 8 for year 3.

Foothills Ryan

Life is a series of obstacles and one must get through each before moving on the next (terrible paraphrasing of The Countess).

If it wasn’t for bad luck, Lady Edith wouldn’t have any luck at all (now that’s more like it).

Bapah

I was just sticking a comment to Alex, really, not to you, in where there was a “mustard context” so it wouldn’t look too totally out of place. I wasn’t ragging on anyone, especially you, so I’m sorry it was interpreted that way. I should have just posted an original comment to Alex as a fellow mustard lover. People keep giving me off-the-wall mustards because they think I’m mildly obsessed with the topic. Really, it isn’t true. Really.

dgg

Okay, I get it now!

channelclemente

This AM there is a good article on value of a player, and defense/offensive balance. It was odd to see Dave Cameron make fun of the ‘slugger on the corners’ meme with Brett Gardiner. What he says about Gardiner could also be true of Blanco, IMO. Similar arguments would seem to apply.

From time to time, mostly because of his politically correct ESPN gig, when at Fangraphs he’ll speak his mind. What I found interesting was the nuanced look he takes toward the relative value of offense vs defense.

DrLefty

The description of life in Venezuela–especially the dangers for a professional athlete–is what really struck me. We’re aware of culture shock and language barriers, but we may forget what some of these young men have to deal with, before they get to the U.S., during the offseason, and worrying about their families’ safety back home. Remember a couple years ago when Wilson Ramos (the C for the Nats) was kidnapped? That’s a LOT of distraction that the Buster Poseys, Matt Cains, and Bryce Harpers of the world don’t have to cope with.

DrLefty

Edith is “Jan” on “The Brady Bunch.”

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

dgg

Off-topic. I have never in my life paid any attention whatsoever to the NFL Combine but I was drawn in this year because of Johnny Manziel. The past two years have been most exciting for Aggie football. It doesn’t seem like NFL teams, GMs, and coaches know exactly what to make of him:

“He scares me,” one general manager said.

“He scares me more playing against him,” another said.

(Mike Sando, ESPN)

DrLefty

It was actually meant as a compliment to Blanco. If Cody Ross is deemed worth his $8 mil. per because of his 2.0 WAR (that was Footy’s argument), then why isn’t Blanco (4.7 WAR over the past two seasons) similarly worth that much?

This is just an ongoing argument between me and Footy. He thinks Towers is brilliant because he’s always making a lot of moves, like Billy Beane. He thinks Sabean is apathetic and lazy and snoozes through the winter like a bear. I say that making moves doesn’t in and of itself make you brilliant. I have a lot of company among baseball writers who’ve described Towers/the Dbacks as running around in circles for the past 2-3 years.

For the record, I think $8 mil. per is a lot of money for any fourth outfielder, whether his name is Cody Ross, Gregor Blanco, Ichiro Suzuki, etc., etc.

dgg

Jan: “Every time Marcia turns around, they hand her a Blue Ribbon or something.”

ClutchUp

Double and Triple Kudos to SF Giants training and Medical staff for being one of the best in the business.
Other Clubs are not so fortunate:
* Rockies Jhoulys Chacin – Shoulder inflammation – MRI
* TEX starter Matt Harrison won’t be ready for opening day – Neck and Back
* San Diegeo – Chase Headley down for TWO weeks – right calf

The Giants Training/Med Staff send players home for the off season with individual and structured, strict work out programs – tailor made for the individual. Good Job!

DrLefty

I have never seen anything quite like Johnny Manziel in his bowl game this year. Whoever drafts him, I’ll be tuning in to watch their highlights.

channelclemente

You don’t know whether Morse was laying it on for the cameras, but he seemed genuinely impressed with how he was being managed healthwise here.

dgg

I think it was something like: “before moving on to the next obstacle or problem, and then you die.” Yikes. A rather dark life philosophy under that rapier wit.

Foothills Ryan

That wasn’t necessarily ‘Footy’s argument’, that was the canned $/WAR argument. What players like Blanco and Belt offer is called surplus value. It’s a good idea to have players with surplus value on your team.

You can’t really compare Brian Sabean to GM’s like Billy Beane, Kevin Towers and Andy Friedman or whoever is running a smaller budget and attempting to fill holes by whatever manuevers they can.

If your 4th OF is making 8 mil, it certainly won’t hurt you if one of the more regular outfielders is making closer to league min and offering surplus value. It’s a nice luxury to have productive depth over replacement level depth.

Foothills Ryan

Sisyphus and the boulder I suppose.

Foothills Ryan

so far so good!

Matthew

Edith has NO shot at duplicating Jan’s follow up career…..

ClutchUp

or so good so far? How’s the right arm feel today. First could of days wearing cleats also makes ones back say Howdy_Partner. Crazy Horse found that out after he and Windy wore shower shoes all off winter. I was gonna call them thongs but that’s reserved for Mrs. Pagan (but how do I know?)

Just wondering- who are the “faces of the franchises” and what’s the ethnic and race breakdown? I can only guess who those FOTFS are. Anybody?

channelclemente

Hmmm, I’ve actually never looked beyond Willy Mays.

ClutchUp

OK I’ll PAY somebody to explain all the side bar references. They don’t show DTA at the incarcerated facility. Is there a wiki page that discusses all the ups, downs, ins and outs? TV show or HBO. Much obliged amigos and amigas.

I did mean “competition”, if that was the issue. You should see some of my unedited stuff,

ClutchUp

I think you are correct. Possible that most MLB clubs go through the motions or WORSE get told by cronies – who they think should be part of their Med/Training Staff. How’d that all work out for LAD’s Sue Falsone?

Anti-Lasorda

Johnny’s the man. Sorry to see him go, one more year in College Station would have been nice. I predict a Vick like career path. Brilliant and bright early, but punctuated by injuries and lost opportunities. I hope I’m wrong and he does turn into a short RH Steve Young.

channelclemente

Good point. Falsone, apparently, had one too many sessions of ‘I told you so’ with the higher ups.

Foothills Ryan

very Gary Larson inspired

ClutchUp

Agree with both dgg and Lefty, but Manziel will need to grow into the first phase of his man-body. Michael Vick had all the same skills of Manziel but watch MEN who tackle QB’s who don’t slide. I can’t describe it here, but they first put a good lick on them then they slide-roll over them with the tacklers shoes ending up near the QB’s upper-body/face.

Foothills Ryan

oh man, I think I know where you’re going with this. You’re the man who knew too much. Too much pop culture at least.

Anti-Lasorda

Barry wants the HOF. He’ll need a fulltime gig and some major league hoover work for the BBWA to make that happen IMHO…..

Foothills Ryan

pretty good so far. I keep in shape, but I’m always amazed at the general soreness I can get the day after from the sudden acceleration involved in chasing a fly ball or ramping up the arm speed.

Well this is cool. It’s a ranking of the top prospects by appearance on the assorted prospect lists: Call it a consensus list. Kyle Crick comes in at #49, Escobar at 102, Blackburn at 130, and Susac at 155.

Watching this guy pitch, it’s amazing that his K/BB ratio is one of the best in pro baseball. I’m not sure it would be as good at the MLB level, but his funky delivery would fit right in with the Giants bullpen.http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o_BLbuN9oPA

ClutchUp

NEW POST by A_Pavs

ClutchUp

Agreed YB – hides the ball well. Can he stay healthy with that funky delivery?

dgg

CU, there is a website called “Downton Abbey Online.” There are recaps for each episode in each of the four seasons, with photos, and a quick-to-read “Downton Abbey 101.” Season One, Episode One, gets launched with the news about the sinking of the Titanic.

dgg

I hope you’re wrong too, AL. I briefly wanted Johnny to stay on for one more year in College Station. But how does he top his final college game? And with Mike Evans leaving and going pro…

DrLefty

Apparently there’s a Baby Z on the way. Barry + Amber = a very, very good-looking baby. I’ll take the over on that bet.